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Historic Markers Across Tennessee - Definitions

A historical marker is a plaque or sign erected at historically significant locations, facilities, or buildings. These markers are usually near roads or in parks. Many different administrative systems exist for the purpose of creating and maintaining historical markers. In addition to the National Register of Historic Places (which may or may not have markers at each property), many states have their own distinctive set of historical markers. Cities and/or counties may also choose to have their own system of recognizing and acknowledging historical places. In addition to these geographically defined regions, individual organizations, such as E Clampus Vitus or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, can choose to maintain a national set of historic markers that fit a certain theme. [1] This web site primarily lists the free standing style of historic marker, but it does include some mounted markers. It also includd many of the Blue Star markers. The intent of this site is to provide an overview of Tennessee´s history as recorded on the many historic markers throughout the state. Currently the site lists 2834 markers.

Styles/Types

Free Standing

This is what we typically think of when we hear the term "historic marker." The Tennessee Historic markers are made of metal (usually brass or aluminum) that have raised lettering (rather than an inscription painted on a sign), and are mounted on a freestanding post. Most books and web sites dedicated to Tennessee's Historic Markers typically only include free standing historic markers.[2]

Mounted

Historic markers that are attached to a rock, a building, a concrete base or some other type of structure are often referred to as plaques. Mounted Tennessee Historic markers are made of metal (usually brass or aluminum) that have raised lettering (rather than an inscription painted on a sign, and are fixed to a structure.

Carved Stone

These are stone marker have had text engraved on them.

Interpretative Marker / Sign

These are painted or screen-printed rather than cast in metal on a weather resistant backing. Many times these markers include maps and or drawings. This is the style typically seen at National Parks.

Commemorative Markers

This is a sub-set of Historic Markers. These markers may be placed at the entrance to a park and typically lists the individual(s) that were significant in the creation of a park, monument, restoration of a building or other event. Also included in this sub-set would be the Blue Star Markers [3] (normally free-standing) and plaques designating a location as being in the National Register of Historic Places (normally mounted).